CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

5.1 Summary

The research work has extremely discussed the intergroup relations between Igbira and

Gbagyi people in Koton Karfe town of Kogi State from 1779 - 2019. Chapter one started with a

comprehensive knowledge and a wide accepted definition of inter group relations. Within this

line, the study also differentiates examines the importance of intergroup and its roles to the host

society. According to the Chapter, Inter-group relations are indeed very common among the

various groups in Nigeria. One way or the other, people of different ethnic background were at

one time or the other engaged in some sort of relations. At one time such relation was peaceful,

at other times, the people engaged in violent confrontation. Whatsoever shape the relation

assumes, it is important to uphold the fact that inter-group relations existed and still exist

between and among the different ethnic groups in Nigeria. The relations existed before

colonialism, it continued during and even after Colonial Rule. Among the different dimension of

inter-group relations in Nigeria include but not limited to the following; marriage, trade, war,

politics, and exchange of cultural troupes etc. Although, an inter-group relation has an undertone

of an affair between immediate neighbors, it is not limited to immediate neighbor only. Various

groups in Nigeria were integrated by religions and social institutions. There were many
institutions which brought the people closer to one another. These institution included marriage

ties, age grades and secret societies.

The chapter also states the statement of problem, aim and objectives, scope and limitation

of the study and the significance of the research work. Furthermore, relevant literatures were

reviewed and the sources of information were given as well.

Chapter two examines the establishment and growth of Koton Karfe town. Such include;

the geographical location and environment features of Koton Karfe town, factor that led to the

establishment of the town, political structure and development, socio-cultural activities of the

people of Koton Karfe and their early socio-economic organization and development. It was

stated that Koton Karfe town is under Koton Karfe Local Government in Kogi State. It location

on the Nigerian map is on the intersecting point of longitude 7 0 49’ N and latitude 60 44’ E. The

town lies on the western bank of the River Niger at an altitude of 45 – 125 metres. Koton Karfe

is also approximately 162 kilometres from Abuja the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria.

In other words, the town is strategically located as it is a gateway to the Northern and Southern

parts of the country. Beyond this, they have origin, settlement pattern and economic life just like

any other group in Kogi State.

Chapter three emphasized on the Igbira and Gbagyi in historical context. In this chapter,

the study reveals the factors that aided the group migration, the settlement and pattern of the

group as well as their diplomatic relations. In line with this chapter, the traditional political
institution or organization among the people of Koton Karfe is just like those in other towns in

Kogi State such as Kabba, Okun, Igbira among others. Everyone appointed as titleholder, be he

the Ohimegye, the Ondakiogbani (traditional ruler), (the Madaki) and the senior and junior

titleholders has specific functions. Beyond this, in any society, order is the first principle. This is

to avoid chaos and instability. Right from the time of creation, the issue of order started from the

family which is the smallest political unit. The father is usually the head of the family. He

ensures peace and orderliness in his house hold; he represents his family at either small or large

meetings involving issues in the community which is in line with Gbagyi and Igbira.

Chapter four centered on the intergroup relations between Igbira and Gbagyi in Koton

Karfe town of Kogi State. This explains various intergroup relations such as social relations,

economic relations, political relations of Igbira and Gbagyi in Koton Karfe town of Kogi State.

5.2 Conclusion

The study reveals that the geographical location and the physical features of Koton Karfe

of Kogi State indicate its favorability for faming and other activities. Early history of Koton

Karfe town and the social political organization also shows that they are indeed; share the same

cultural and political structure as other neighboring communities. Beyond this, this study on

Koton Karfe also shows an evolution of a growing society like many communities in the central

part. There is no doubt; life in Koton Karfe is effortless and interesting as a result of Igbira and

Gbagyi relations. The area has drastically transformed from a small village to city. The
community had also expanded into a town status with halls, hospitals, police stations, banks, pipe

borne water and tarred roads. Furthermore, Igbira and Gbagyi relations played some unique role

in the development of Koton Karfe town. These can be seen in the area of economy, social,

political and general transformation.

The researcher however, observed that there some defies. Koton Karfe town in Kogi Sate

still slightly lacks some social amenities such as roads, pipe borne water, electricity and

accommodation. Beyond this, no humanitarian services has being anchored by any company or

firm in the town. Hence, the researcher suggested that the government should take a good note of

the social amenities, engross in some humanitarian services as well as limit some religious

barriers.